Workers of the Volta River Authority (VRA) are calling for the removal of acting Chief Executive Ing. Edward Obeng Kenzo, fearing his leadership could pave the way for the privatization of the authority. Their concerns follows last year’s protests against a government proposal to merge the VRA with the Bui Power Authority, consolidating the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) with the Northern Electricity Distribution Company (NEDCo), and creating a separate Thermal Power Authority.
The workers believe the proposed merger is a covert attempt to privatize the assets of both the VRA and Bui Power Authority. They view Ing. Kenzo, previously the deputy CEO, as a key figure driving this privatization agenda and are demanding his immediate removal.
They further argue that Ing. Kenzo has not been officially appointed as acting CEO but took over after the previous CEO’s departure, allegedly imposing himself in the role. Workers have hoisted banners protesting his leadership and expressed their disapproval through a strongly worded letter seen by The High Street Journal.
A press conference is scheduled for later today by a group aiming to intensify opposition to Ing. Kenzo’s appointment. This protest mirrors similar movements in other institutions where new acting heads faced opposition, often due to perceived political affiliations with the New Patriotic Party (NPP). However, in this case, the primary concern is Ing. Kenzo’s association with the controversial merger and potential privatization.
VRA plays a critical role in Ghana’s power generation, and any disruption to its management could have far-reaching effects on the country’s power supply.
Read the statement below:
